Brian had a special relationship with the audience — he broke through in a way few others do. They had come to trust him as a voice of calm — whether reporting on momentous events of history, or the grand state events. For more than 30 years, it was that quality above all others that distinguished Brian as one of the BBC's brightest and best.

Extremely dogged and factual and intelligent reporter who saw things in front of him and described them graphically … He was one of those voices you could rely on... a journalist who was seeking the truth.